Ingredients:
- 1 lb corned beef, sliced
- 1 (14 oz) can sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 8 slices rye bread, cubed
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
FIRST STEP:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
SECOND STEP: 2. Prepare the Casserole:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed rye bread, sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese. Mix well.
- Make the Egg Mixture:
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Thousand Island dressing, caraway seeds (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Combine:
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and meat mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
THIRD STEP: 5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
FOURTH STEP: 6. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and lightly browned on top.
FIFTH STEP: 7. Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Variations: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Enjoy your delicious Classic Hearty Reuben Bake!
1. What is Classic Hearty Reuben Bake?
- It’s a casserole dish that combines layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and rye bread, all baked together with a creamy dressing and eggs, inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich.
2. What ingredients do I need?
- You’ll need:
- Corned beef
- Sauerkraut
- Thousand Island dressing
- Rye bread
- Swiss cheese
- Eggs
- Milk
- Caraway seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper
3. Can I use leftover corned beef?
- Yes, leftover corned beef works perfectly and adds great flavor to the dish.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes! You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
5. How long does it take to prepare?
- The total time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes, including preparation and baking.
6. Can I freeze Reuben Bake?
- Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover it well. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
7. What can I serve with this dish?
- It pairs well with a side salad, coleslaw, or pickles.
8. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
- Yes! You can substitute the corned beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use sautéed mushrooms and additional vegetables.
9. How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
10. Can I add other ingredients?
- Absolutely! You can add ingredients like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or even different types of cheese for added flavor.